Purchased westminster, what next? Feedback please

[Adamo]

I ordered an 8 ounce tin of westminster from the USA and received it. I was very suprised that I did not have to pay duty fees because I live in Canada. Pipes and cigars did a very good job because I did not have to pay customs. Here is Canada tobacco is taxed 100%, in the US 7%, go figure. I saved approx 30% if I were to purchase it here in Canada(GL Pease does not supply in Canada). I prefer it over squadron leader which I have been smoking regularly. It is more complex and more tasty. I would like to purchase some other blends and would like your feedback.
1: Penzance
2: Stonehaven
3: Abingdon
4: Odyssey.
I read rave reviews about these other tobacs and would like your feedback about these 4. thanks

[uvacom]

You'll almost certainly be pleased. Penzance is a bit fuller than Westminster and has a phenolic odor, and Abingdon is very full-bodied (but complex and quite cool). Odyssey, I'm sorry to say, I've not had, but it looks to be up your alley. Stonehaven is different - it's a burley/VA flake with a fairly noticable wine-like casing. It is delicious though, and worth a try if you can actually find it.

[Stumptown]

Penzance is the only one on that list that i've tried, and I really enjoyed it.

I don't really think you can go wrong with GLP products

[drastic_quench]

Of the four you've listed, I've smoked Abingdon and Penzance - in addition to Westminster. You'll find they're in the same league as Westminster - meaning they'll beat the pants off of Squadron Leader.

Abingdon smokes a little cooler-tasting than Westminster and is a little more spicy to me, whereas Westminster is savory. It also burns much better than Westminster with a little drying time.

Penzance is tough to describe for me other than saying that it tastes perfumed. It is good, but compared to the others, where I definitely am tasting different tobaccos, Penzance tastes like there's some flavor added to it. It also leaves a stickier resin/tar/cake in a briar, which to me backs up my idea. It's not a love-it-or-hate-it tobacco, and it is really worth a tin to try for yourself.

[MarkC]

I must admit that this thread has dropped Penzance far down from where it was on my "must try" list. It's still there, but...

[sounds7]

Living in Canada you have to try Maxims blends "Comptons of Gasheils" Specifically you need to try York and Macedonia. He is blending some very old recipes and turning out some great tobacco and he is Canadian.But then again you pay tax.

Westminster is by far the best Pease Latakia followed by Abington. Also try Margate by Esoterica Tobacciana.

Comptons" Blends

[sounds7]

Originally Posted by MarkC

I must admit that this thread has dropped Penzance far down from where it was on my "must try" list. It's still there, but...

I don't think I will be buying anymore Penzance. Its O.K. but Margate is better and ages better IMO. The Penzance I have aged is much mellower than that fresh out of the tin (mellower is a nice way of putting it). It has lost some high notes and is more one dimensional rather than complex. However, Penzance is a flake and some people prefer to have flake. Margate, which is ribbon cut, has a better, more diverse taste especially with age. At least I think so. As far as Flake Latakia's go I have prefered the way J.L. Germain's Special Latakia Flake has held up over time to Penzance. This is one mans opinion though.